Device for dispensing a liquid under pressure

ABSTRACT

A device for storing and dispensing carbonated beverages such as beer is provided. The device has a fluid compartment and a propellant compartment which are connected through a pressure control means. The pressure control means delivers propellant from the propellant compartment to the fluid compartment as the beverage is withdrawn therefrom to maintain a desired excess equilibrium pressure of the propellant in the headspace of the fluid compartment. For carbonated beverages, the propellant is preferably relatively pure CO 2 , and also ensures proper carbonation to the beverage. A method of dispensing a carbonated beverage is also provided.

The invention relates to a device for dispensing a fluid according tothe preamble of claim 1. Such device is known from FR-A-2 331 485.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,368,207 discloses a device comprising a pressurecontainer in which a fluid to be dispensed can be stored in a firstchamber, while a second chamber is included for storing and dispensing apropellant. Via pressure control means, the second chamber is in fluidcommunication with the first chamber. The pressure control means arearranged for passing the propellant from the second chamber into thefirst chamber at a specific, preset pressure. In such device, duringuse, the fluid is pressurized in the first chamber by means of thepropellant and when suitable dispensing means are opened, the fluid isthus driven from the first chamber.

This known device has as a drawback that the ratio between the volume ofthe first chamber and the volume of the second chamber is unfavorable.To enable storing sufficient propellant in the second chamber fordispensing the complete contents of the first chamber at a suitablepressure, the second chamber must be relatively large in relation to thefirst chamber. As a consequence, the device as a whole has anunfavorable ration between outside dimensions and effective content ofthe first chamber.

It has already been proposed to increase the pressure in the secondchamber such that at a smaller volume, the same amount of propellant canbe included therein. However, this has the drawback that the pressurecontrol means and the walls of at least the second chamber should beaccommodated to such increased pressures, which is technicallycomplicated and costly. Moreover, such increased pressures are usuallyunacceptable without extreme safety measures, on account of conditionswith respect to production and usage.

Further, such device has the drawback that relatively much material isused and that such device is relatively heavy.

FR-A-2 331 485 discloses a device for dispensing a fluid, comprising acontainer having a first and second compartment. In the firstcompartment a fluid to be dispensed can be introduced, in the secondcompartment the propellant. An opening is provided between the first andsecond compartment in which pressure control means are arranged forcontrolling the pressure of propellant flowing from the second into thefirst compartment. In this device fillers are provided in the secondcompartment for adsorbing and absorbing part of the propellant, in orderto enable storage of a relatively large quantity of propellant underrelatively low pressure. This known device is arranged for sprayingfurniture polish and the like. During use the pressure of the propellantis arbitrarily chosen.

The object of the invention is to provide a device according to theintroduction, wherein the drawbacks mentioned are avoided, while theadvantages thereof are retained. To that end, a device according to theinvention characterized by the features of claim 1.

In a device according to the present invention, a filler is included inthe second compartment for associating at least a portion of thepropellant, which portion can hence be introduced into the secondcompartment without the pressure therein being considerably increased.The surprising effect thus achieved is that under equal conditions ofuse, a considerably larger volume of propellant can at a preselectedpressure be introduced into the second compartment filled withpropellant, than in a second chamber of the known device, at the samepressure. This means that in a device according to the invention, thesecond chamber can be relatively small compared with the first chamber,while a large volume of propellant can nevertheless be introduced intothe second chamber at a relatively low pressure. This means that nospecific measures are necessary for rendering the pressure control meansand the walls of the second compartment resistant to extreme pressures.

Surprisingly, it has been found that for dispensing carbonatedbeverages, in particular beer, already a relatively slight excesspressure in the chamber in which beverage to be dispensed is included,relative to the environment, leads to a particularly favorabledispensing pattern. In particular, a number of glasses of beer having asuitable head of foam and an optimum CO₂ content can be drawn therewithin a relatively fast manner.

In a device according to the invention, techniques known form theaerosol industry, such as valve parts and container, can be utilized inan advantageous and surprising manner.

In an advantageous embodiment, a device according to the invention ischaracterized by the features of claims 4.

The advantage achieved by using relatively pure carbon dioxide aspropellant, with the fillers being substantially formed by activatedcarbon fibers, is that a particularly large volume of propellant can beintroduced into a particularly small space at a suitable pressure, dueto the large specific internal and external surface area of theactivated carbon fibers. In particular when a device according to theinvention is used for dispensing carbonated beverages, the advantageachieved by the relatively high purity is that the propellant can bebrought directly into or above the beverage to be dispensed, so that thedevice may be of a simple construction. Moreover, a desired equilibriumsituation is thus always maintained in the head space of the firstcompartment, which has a positive effect on the quality of the beverageto be dispensed and prolongs the shelf life thereof.

For the use of a device according to the present invention for storingand dispensing beer, in particular of the lager type, an excess pressureis preferably maintained in the head space of the storage compartment(first compartment) of between 0.65 bar and 1.0 bar (1.65-2.0 barabsolute) so as to obtain and maintain an equilibrium in the CO₂ contentof about 4.6 g CO₂ per liter beer at a beer temperature of between 5° C.and 10° C. From Table 1, for other carbonated beverages, the desiredexcess pressures for desired carbon dioxide contents can be read.

For associating CO₂, activated carbon is preferably used, such asactivated carbon of the type GF40 or R1Extra, both supplied by the firmNorit, Amersfoort, the Netherlands, as will be further indicated in thespecification.

Per liter of fluid to be dispensed, in particular carbonated beverage,preferably between 2 and 20 g activated carbon is included in the secondcompartment. More in particular, between 6 and 18 g activated carbon isincluded. Thus, at acceptable pressure, a sufficient amount of CO₂ or alike propellant can be associated, while practically no excess carbon ispresent.

Per liter of fluid to be dispensed, in particular carbonated beverage,preferably between 1 and 10 g of CO₂ is stored as pressure medium in thesecond compartment. It has been found that such amounts are sufficientfor displacing the beverage at least substantially completely. In,particular an amount of between 2 and 8 g CO₂ proves to yield very goodresults.

Through a suitable dimensioning of the flow-out device, beer can alreadybe drawn in a suitable manner, i.e. at a proper tapping rate and with aright CO₂ content and a nice, full head of foam, at the equilibriumexcess pressure of carbon dioxide.

Preferably, there are provided excess pressure relief means for thefirst and/or second compartment for letting off at least a portion ofthe pressure medium in a controlled manner when unduly high pressuresoccur. To that end, for instance, a valve may be arranged or localweakenings may be consciously provided, for instance at folded seams,attachments or the like.

Including both the first and the second compartment in the containeroffers the advantage that a user need not perform any assemblingoperations before the device can be used. This adds to the ease of use,comfort and safety of the user. Moreover, assembling errors are therebyavoided, so that waste is prevented. By providing means for filling thesecond compartment with propellant, from the outside of the container,the advantage achieved is that this filling operation can be performedup to any suitable moment, for instance after filling and aftertreatment of the fluid in the first compartment. This is advantageous inparticular when such fluid in the container is to be exposed tosubstantial changes of temperature, such as, for instance, in apasteurization pass.

In an alternative embodiment, a device according to the invention ischaracterized by the features of claim 8.

In such embodiment, prior to use, the second compartment which isaccommodated in a preferably cartridge-shaped housing, can be coupled tothe container and be brought into fluid communication with the firstcompartment. It is thus ensured that prior to use, the container ispractically pressureless, or at least retains a relatively low pressure.Only after coupling to the second compartment can the desired increaseof pressure be effected. Moreover, the first compartment and the secondcompartment can be treated separately, which is advantageous in terms ofproduction and use. Indeed, the container with the first compartmentcan, for instance, be exposed to changes of temperature without thepropellant in the second compartment being influenced thereby, while,moreover, the different parts can be manufactured, stored, transported,possibly reused or discharged separately. Further, the advantage thusachieved is that, if so desired, several containers can be brought andkept under pressure simultaneously or consecutively with the same secondcompartment.

In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment, a device accordingto the invention is further characterized by the features of claim 9.

The use of a dip tube mounted on the first compartment offers theadvantage that this assembly can be placed as a unit. This isadvantageous in particular when the dispensing means are integrated intothis assembly as well. The dip tube provides that the first compartmentcan be emptied completely, in a suitable manner. Installation of theassembly can preferably take place after the filling of the firstcompartment. In fact, it is observed that such assembly can also besupplied separately from the first compartment, such that it can beplaced by a user directly prior to use. Moreover, such an assembly canbe designed for refilling, at least for being used several times.

The invention further relates to a method for keeping under pressure anddispensing a fluid, characterized by the features of claim 11.

With such a method, the advantage achieved is that by means of arelatively simple device, a relatively large amount of fluid can bedispensed without requiring extreme compression of the propellant andwithout requiring accommodating propellant in a chamber having arelatively large volume compared with the quantity of fluid to bedispensed. Hence, a device to be used with such a method may be of arelatively small, simple and light design, without this having anadverse effect on the ease of use and safety of the user.

The invention further relates to a pressure cartridge for use in adevice, assembly or method according to the invention, characterized bythe features of claim 12.

Such a pressure cartridge may, for instance, be designed as a relativelysmall container, suitable for bringing and maintaining a firstcompartment under pressure, but may also be designed as, for instance, aCO₂ cylinder for bringing and maintaining a number of first compartmentsor a barrel of a relatively large content under pressure. Of course, apressure cartridge according to the invention may be filled with alltypes of fillers, depending on the propellant that is to be storedtherein, yet as filler, activated carbon fibers are preferred, incombination with CO₂, in view of the relatively universal applicabilityand possibilities of reuse thereof and the purity of the CO₂, as aresult of which it can be introduced directly into or above thebeverage.

In further elaboration, a pressure cartridge according to the inventionis characterized by the features of claim 13.

The use of pressure control means for maintaining, during use, arelatively constant excess pressure, offers the advantage that fluid canalways be dispensed in a substantially equal manner. In this respect,accommodating the pressure control means in the pressure cartridgeoffers the advantage that they can be reused and activated in arelatively simple manner, while they can moreover be used as closingmeans for the pressure cartridge, if so desired.

The invention moreover relates to the use of a pressure cartridgeaccording to the invention for dispensing a carbonated beverage, inparticular beer.

Further advantageous embodiments of a device or method according to theinvention are given in the subclaims.

To clarify the invention, a number of exemplary embodiments of a deviceand method according to the invention will hereinafter be described withreference to the accompanying drawings. In these drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic, sectional side elevation of a device according tothe invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic, sectional side elevation of an alternativeembodiment of a device according to the invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic, sectional view of a pressure control means foruse in a device according to the invention;

FIG. 4 schematically shows a second alternative embodiment of a deviceaccording to the invention; and

FIG. 5 schematically shows a third alternative embodiment of a deviceaccording to the invention.

In this specification, identical or corresponding parts havecorresponding reference numerals. In this specification, the embodimentswill be specified with reference to a tapping device for carbonatedbeverages, in particular beer. However, it will be directly understoodthat other applications are also possible, for instance the use of suchdevice for dispensing foodstuffs, foamed products, pastas and the like.

FIG. 1 shows a device 1 according to the invention, comprising acontainer 2 in which an amount of beer 3 to be dispensed is included ina first compartment 4. In the embodiment shown, the container 2 is arelatively thin-walled can of a relatively large content, for instance 3or 5 liter. The container 2 is closed all round and has its top faceprovided with a central opening 6 accommodating dispensing means 7,which will be further described hereinbelow. Extending under thedispensing means 7 is a pressure control device 8, which will also befurther described. Connecting to the dispensing means 7 are divertingmeans 9 for discharging beer 3, via the dispensing means 7, from thecontainer 2 to, for instance, a glass (not shown). To that end, a diptube 10 extends from the dispensing means 7 to a position adjacent thebottom 11 of the container 2, so that the complete volume of beer 3 canbe dispensed via the dispensing means 7 and the diverting means 9.

The dispensing means 7 comprise a passage 12 to which, within thecontainer 2, the dip tube 10 connects and to which, outside thecontainer 2, the diverting means 9 connect. The dispensing means 7further comprise a shut-off valve (not shown) which can be openedagainst spring pressure and which in a first position seals thedispensing means 7 and in a second position brings the dip tube 10 intofluid communication with the diverting means 9 or at least a duct 13extending therein. For operating the dispensing means 7, a knob 14 isprovided, which knob, upon a movement in the direction of the top face5, moves the shut-off means towards the second position, while by saidspring pressure, it is moved in the direction of the first position, forshutting off the device when not actuated. Such dispensing means 7 arealready known per se and can be adapted or replaced in a known, suitablemanner by a skilled person within the framework of the invention.

The pressure control device 8 comprises a housing 15 having a secondcompartment 16. Provided adjacent the top end of the housing 15 arepressure control means 17 which will be further described hereinbelow.By suspension means 18, the housing 15 is suspended from the top face 5or the dispensing means 7, such that a passage opening 19 of thepressure means 17 is positioned at some distance below the dispensingmeans 7, preferably above the liquid level. The pressure control device8 and the dispensing means 7 are preferably interconnected in such amanner that they can be inserted through the central opening 6 in thetop face 5, with the opening 6 being closed by the dispensing means 7 soas to be gastight and liquidtight. Thus, the pressure control device 8can readily be placed, while it can moreover also be readily removed, atleast in a workshop arranged therefor, for reuse or recycling.

Provided in the second compartment 16 is a filler 20, suitable forassociating a relatively large amount of propellant. In the embodimentshown, the filler 20 is designed as an amount of activated carbon fibershaving a relatively large internal and external surface area, foradsorbing and/or absorbing therein and thereon a relatively large amountof CO₂ at an acceptable gas pressure within the second compartment 16.

In an advantageous embodiment, activated carbon, in particular activatedcarbon fibers having a large specific surface area, preferably between600 and 1400 m²/g and a high internal porosity, in particular more than55% and preferably between 55 and 80%, is used as filler. Moreover, thefibers preferably have a relatively large external specific surfacearea, for instance more than 2 dm³, more in particular more than 25 dm³.Such activated carbon fibers are commercially available. The use of suchfiller offers the advantage that the second compartment may be ofrelatively small design, while sufficient CO₂ can yet be associated. Byway of illustration, for the complete emptying of a container having acontent of 5 l beer, at 7° C. and a desired internal pressure of 1.7bar, a second compartment having a content of about 40 ml may suffice,at a gas pressure in the second compartment of about 10 bar. In theembodiment shown, a slightly larger second compartment and the samepressure have been opted for (hence a larger amount of propellant), toobtain a safety margin, so that the container is prevented from notbeing emptied completely. The ratio between the content of the firstcompartment and the content of the second compartment can for instancebe chosen to be >140:1, for instance 66:1. In view of the desiredoutside dimensions of the device in relation to the content, it ispreferred that this ratio be greater than 5:1, more preferably greaterthan 15:1 and most preferably greater than 50:1. Accordingly, for thecomplete emptying of an above-described container having a content ofabout 5 l, approximately 18 l CO₂ gas is available, measured at apressure of 1 bar. It will be directly understood that for any contentof a first compartment and the desired excess pressure to be obtainedtherein, the desired volumes of CO₂ and filler can readily bedetermined, as well as the desired content of the second compartment,related to pressure and temperature. Further, it will be understood thatother fillers can also be used, depending on, inter alia, theapplication opted for, in particular the propellant to be employed. Forinstance, acid-treated clay, activated aluminum and bauxite, iron oxide,magnesium oxide, silica gel, and suitable liquids such as acetone andthe like can be used. When applied to beverages, in particularcarbonated beverages and other products suitable for consumption, theuse of CO₂ offers the advantage that, in normal use, it does not haveany adverse effect upon the user. Moreover, CO₂ can be obtainedrelatively easily, for instance as waste product in industrialprocesses, which reuse is environmentally advantageous.

By way of illustration, an exemplary embodiment will now be described.

A second container with valve, having a content of about 150 ml, wasfilled with about 70 g activated carbon fibers of the type R1Extra,supplied by Norit, NL. To this, 0.74 mole CO₂ was associated, i.e. 33 g.The formula P.V./R.T. teaches that thus, at a beer temperature of 7° C.in a first compartment of 5 l, about 4.850 l beer can be maintainedunder a pressure of about 1.65 bar (0.65 bar excess pressure) and bedispensed therefrom with particularly good drawing properties, while a100% safety margin is used. At least initially, the CO₂ gas provides apressure of about 10 bar in the second container. During the life of thetapping device, an equilibrium of about 4.6 g CO₂ per liter beer wasmaintained (Table 1). For this, a discharge channel having a section ofabout 8-9 mm was used. More generally, preferably between 2 and 20, morepreferably between 6 and 18 g activated carbon, and between 1 and 10,preferably between 2 and 8 g CO₂ is added per liter of beverage to bedispensed. In comparison, liquid CO₂ would lead to unacceptably highpressures of, for instance, 50-60 bar in the second container, whereasthe use of gaseous CO₂ without associating means would require a secondcontainer having a volume of about 0.77 l, at a starting reducedpressure of 10 bar, without safety margin. At a safety margin of 100%,this would, in a 5 l vessel for beer, leave a rest volume for beer ofonly about 3.5 l.

Graph—showing the carbon dioxide content

The dark strip represents the carbon dioxide standard

TABLE 1

The pressure control device 8 is for instance provided with pressurecontrol means 17, which are shown in more detail in FIG. 3 and are knownper se from, inter alia, U.S. Pat. No. 5,368,207, which publication withregard to these pressure control means is considered to be incorporatedherein by reference. Such pressure control means, also known by the nameof ‘pressure generators’, are supplied inter alia by the firmStabilpress, Belgium. The pressure control means 17 comprise acylindrical casing 20, closed at a first end by a bottom 21 and providedat its other end with a passage opening 19. During use, the passage 19faces the first compartment 4 and is in open fluid communicationtherewith. Accommodated in the casing 20 is a slightly hourglass-shapedpiston body 22, provided at either end with an O-ring or a like seal 23abutting against the inside of the casing 20. Between the first end 24of the piston body 22 and the bottom 21, a first chamber 25 is formed,whose size varies according to the axial displacement of the piston body22 within the casing 20. At the level of the waist 26 of the piston body22, a number of openings 27 are provided in the casing 20, which are influid communication with the second compartment 16. A circular groove 28is included between the openings 27 and the passage 19, on the inside ofthe casing 20, such that when the O-ring fitted adjacent the second end29 extends at the level of the groove 28, a slightly limited fluidconnection is formed between the second compartment 16, via the openings27, the space between the O-ring 23 and the groove 28 and the passage19, to the first compartment 4. Gas of a relatively high pressure canthen flow from the second compartment 16 and via this fluid connectioninto the first compartment 4, whereby the pressure in the firstcompartment 4 increases. In the chamber 25, a reference pressure isprovided which approximately corresponds to the desired pressure in thefirst compartment 4. If necessary, spring means or the like may beaccommodated in the first chamber to effect said reference pressure. Ifthe desired pressure in the first compartment has been realized, thepiston body 22 is axially displaced in the direction of the bottom 21,such that the reference pressure in the chamber 25 is realized, in whichposition the O-ring 23 adjacent the second end 29 seals theabove-described fluid passage, since the O-ring 23 then abuts againstthe inside of the casing 20 between the openings 27 and the groove 28.If a portion of the beer 3 will be displaced from the first compartment4 by the dispensing means 7, the pressure therein will decrease, as aresult of which the piston body 22 will, under the influence of thepressure in the chamber 25, be axially displaced in the direction of thepassage 19, such that gas can again flow at high pressure from thesecond compartment 16 along the above-described fluid connection intothe first compartment, for restoring the desired pressure therein. Whenthis desired pressure is reached, the piston body 22 is urged into theclosing position again. In this manner, a constant, desired pressurewill constantly be maintained in the first compartment by the pressurecontrol means. Variations of such pressure control means are describedin, inter alia, the above-cited U.S. Pat. No. 5,368,207. It is furtherobserved that other settable or non-settable pressure control means,such as a diaphragm valve, reducing valves and the like, can of coursealso be used in a device according to the invention. Such embodimentswill be directly clear to a skilled person. A pressure control means asshown in FIG. 3 offers the advantage that it can be manufactured in arelatively simple manner and has an accurate action.

Preferably, excess pressure relief means (not shown) are provided in thefirst and second compartments, for which purpose, for instance,generally known valves or the like can be employed.

As shown in FIG. 1, filtering means 30 are provided in the secondcompartment 16 for filtering, from the gas flow, particles of thefillers 20, in particular relatively small activated carbon particles,which could have an adverse effect on the quality of the product to bedispensed and, possibly, the health of the user. Moreover, blockages anddamages are thus prevented. Such filtering means 30 can be constructedin various manners, for instance gauze-shaped, foam-like, textile,semipermeable polymers and the like. By positioning the filtering means30 in the second compartment 16, in front of the pressure control means17 when viewed in the flow direction of the gas, contact between thefluid 3 to be dispensed and the filtering means 30 is prevented.Moreover, particles of the filler 20 are prevented from ending up in thepressure control means 17. In fact, the filtering means 30 may also beprovided in the passage openings 27. The filtering means 30 may, forinstance, be disposed in the second compartment 16, prior to a closurethereof, for instance with the pressure control means 17.

A device according to FIG. 1 can be employed as follows.

A suitable amount of beer 3 is introduced into the first compartment 4,via the opening 6. Next, the container 1 with the beer can be treated,for instance pasteurized, for which a temporary seal may be insertedinto the opening 6, if necessary. Next, the pressure control device 8,together with the dip tube 10 and the dispensing means 7, can beinserted into the container 2 via the opening 6, the dispensing means 7being secured so as to close off the opening 6, for instance throughsealing. During insertion of the pressure control device 8, the pistonbody 22 can be moved away from a sealing position, in which the secondend 29 sealingly abuts against the passage 19, for pressurizing thefirst compartment 1. Filling is preferably effected at an excesspressure such that the pressure in the first compartment 1 is at leastequal to and preferably higher than the desired operating pressure inthe head space of said first compartment 1. In a preferred embodimentdescribed earlier, this means, for instance, that filling will takeplace at a minimum pressure of 1.65 bar, preferably somewhat higher.This ensures that the control device is kept in a closing positionduring filling, which prevents the premature escape of CO₂ from thesecond compartment. This also enables filling and fitting the secondcompartment already before the first compartment 1 is filled. Further,the desired pressure will in each case be automatically obtained andmaintained. If a consumer wants to remove beer from the firstcompartment, the diverting means 9 can be placed on the dispensing means7, whereafter the passage 12 can be released simply by pressing on theknob 14 and the beer 3 is dispensed in a desired amount via the dip tube10 and the duct 13. Upon release of the knob 14, the passage 12 isclosed again as described earlier. When the first compartment 4 has beenemptied completely, optionally the pressure control device 8 can beremoved again for reuse or separate recycling. Placing the pressurecontrol device can also be done by the user.

In an alternative embodiment, the dispensing means 7 with the divertingmeans 9, the dip tube 10 and the pressure control device 8 are designedas a unit which can be placed separately. Such a unit can, for instance,be supplied as a loose item and be made of refillable design.

FIG. 2 shows an alternative embodiment of a device 101 according to theinvention, in which the dispensing means 107 and the diverting means 109are fitted in a sidewall of the container 102. Further, the secondcompartment 116 is fitted in a housing 115, which, at least in normaluse, extends entirely above the liquid surface in the first compartment104. To that end, the housing 115, through its end 131 opposite thepressure control means 117, represented diagrammatically, is likewisesecured to the wall of the container 102. In the second compartment 116,again a suitable filler for associating the propellant is provided. Inthe wall of container 102, in the end 131 of the housing 115, a closablefeed opening 132 is provided, via which propellant can be introducedinto the second compartment 116. This makes it possible in aparticularly simple manner to introduce the propellant into the secondcompartment 116 after the beer or other fluid has been suitably treatedin the first compartment 104, optionally immediately prior to use. Itwill be clear, for that matter, that the housing 115 can be designed inany desired manner and can also be arranged at other positions. Thus,for instance, the second compartment 116 may be formed in an upper end,designed as a double-walled lid, of the container 2, 102.

FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of a device 201 according to theinvention, in which the second compartment 216 is provided in a loosehousing 215, which can be connected to the first compartment 204 in acontainer 202 via a first duct 233. In the first duct 233, a pressurecontrol device 208 is included for controlling a preferably constantpressure in the container 202. The first compartment 204 is connectedvia a second duct 234 with tapping means 235 with which the passage ofthe second duct 234, as desired, can be closed or can be released fordispensing beer. As indicated in broken lines in FIG. 4, further firstducts 233 can be connected to the housing 215, so that more containers202 can be served with gas from the second compartment 216. Also, such acartridge-like housing can be subsequently connected to a number ofcontainers 204 to empty them. The fillers 220 here provide the advantagethat relatively much gas, in particular CO₂, can be stored in such ahousing, without requiring particularly complex constructional measuresand without the safety of the users being thereby affected adversely. Inparticular in a device 201 according to FIG. 4, containers 202 of arelatively large volume, for instance 10, 30 or 50 liters, can beemptied with a pressure cartridge 215 of a relatively small volume andlimited weight. This further provides logistic advantages.

FIG. 5 shows a further alternative embodiment of a device according tothe invention, in which the first compartment 304 is divided by aflexible membrane 336, for instance a foil-like bag attached to the wallof the container 302, into a chamber 304A for receiving the fluid to bedispensed and a chamber 304B for receiving a volume of propellant whichhas flowed from the second compartment 316 via the pressure controlmeans 317 described earlier. The second compartment 316 is positionedbetween two bottom walls 311, 311A and, again, is filled with a suitablefiller 320. Such an embodiment is advantageous in particular when thepropellant is to be prevented from coming into direct contact with thefluid to be dispensed in the chamber 304A, since the gas is suitablyseparated from the fluid by the membrane 336.

The present invention is not in any way limited to the exemplaryembodiments shown in the description and the drawings. Many variationsthereof are possible within the scope of the invention.

Thus, the dispensing means and/or the diverting means can be differentlydesigned, for instance as in known aerosols for obtaining foam. They mayalso be designed for single-time operation, whereby the entire firstcompartment is emptied at one time. The container 2 can be manufacturedin a variety of ways and from different materials, for instance steel,aluminum or plastic. In the exemplary embodiments shown, the containersare of relatively high design, but it will be clear that a variety ofdimensions can be utilized, for instance relatively flat, so that such acontainer can be stored relatively simply in a refrigerator or the like.Further, a variety of additional agents, such as, for instance, coolingagents, may be provided, depending on the application. In the exemplaryembodiments shown, the propellant, in normal use, is introduced abovethe liquid level in the first compartment, which largely prevents a gasstream through the fluid to be dispensed. In particular, prematurefoaming is thereby prevented. It will be clear, however, that, ifdesired, a different positioning of the pressure control device can bechosen, such that the propellant is led directly into the fluid to bedispensed. Thus, for instance, an exact appropriate foaming can beobtained, for instance in so-called widgets, soft drinks such asmilkshakes and the like. Further, the filtering means may additionally,or exclusively, be arranged between the pressure control means 17, 117,217, 317 and the fluid 3 to be dispensed.

These and many similar variations are understood to fall within thescope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device (1, 101, 201, 301) for dispensing afluid, comprising a container having a first compartment (4, 104, 204,304), an a second compartment (16, 116, 216, 316), the first compartment(4, 104, 204, 304) being arranged for receiving the fluid (3) to bedispensed, and the second compartment (16, 116, 216, 316) being arrangedfor receiving a propellant, while, at least during use, an opening (19)is provided between the first (4, 104, 204, 304) and the secondcompartment (16, 116, 216, 316), pressure control means (8; 17, 117,217, 317) being arranged for controlling during use the pressure ofpropellant flowing from the second compartment (16, 116, 216, 316) intothe first compartment (4, 104, 204, 304), while in the secondcompartment (16, 116, 216, 316) fillers (20) are provided for absorbingand/or adsorbing at least part of the propellant, wherein the propellantcontains at least carbon dioxide (CO₂), while the fillers (20) compriseat least activated carbon, characterized in that the fluid (3) to bedispensed is a carbonated beverage, in particular beer, the pressurecontrol means (B; 17, 117, 217, 317) being set for providing andmaintaining in the first compartment (4, 104, 204, 304) an excesspressure between 0.1 and 2 bar, more particularly between 0.2 and 1 bar,and preferably about 0.7 bar relative to the surroundings.
 2. A deviceaccording to claim 1, whereby the pressure control means (8; 17, 117,217, 317) are arranged for maintaining an excess pressure during use, inthe head space of the first compartment (4, 104, 204, 304) so as toobtain and maintain an equilibrium in CO₂ content in the fluid (3) to bedispensed.
 3. A device according to claim 2, wherein the fluid (3) to bedispensed is beer, in particular of the lager type, whereby the pressurecontrol means (8; 17, 117, 217, 317) are arranged for maintaining anexcess pressure during use, in the head space of the first compartment(4, 104, 204, 304) of between 0.65 bar and 1.0 bar so as to obtain andmaintain an equilibrium in a CO₂ content of about 4.6 gr CO₂ per literbeer at a bear temperature between 5° C. and 10° C.
 4. A deviceaccording to anyone of claim 1-3, wherein the propellant is relativelypure CO₂ gas and the fillers (20) are formed at least substantially byactivated carbon fibers.
 5. A device according to any one on thepreceding claims, wherein per liter of carbonated beverage (3), between2 and 20 grams, in particular between 6 and 18 grams, of activatedcarbon (20) are provided, wherein per liter of carbonated beverage (3),between 1 and 10 grams, in particular between 2 and 8 grams, of CO₂ areincluded, associated to the fillers (20).
 6. A device according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio between the volume of thefirst compartment (4, 104, 204, 304) and the second compartment (16,116, 216, 316) is greater than 5.5/1, more particularly greater than15/1, preferably greater than 50/1.
 7. A device according to any one ofthe preceding claims, wherein the first (4, 104, 204, 304) and/or thesecond compartment (16, 116, 216, 316) are provided with excess pressurerelief means for letting off in a controlled manner, at a pressurehigher than a pre-selected maximum pressure, at least a part of thepressure fluid, while preferably a maximum pressure of less than 16 bar,in particular less than 12 bar, in the second compartment (16, 116, 216,316) is set.
 8. A device according to any one of claim 1-7, wherein thesecond compartment (16, 116, 216, 316) is designed as a container,preferably cartridge-like, comprising at least a part of the pressurecontrol means (8; 17, 117, 217, 317), while means are provided forcoupling the second compartment (16, 116, 216, 316) with the firstcompartment (4, 104, 204, 304), prior to use.
 9. A device according toany one of the preceding claims, wherein a dip tube (10) is secured tothe second compartment (16, 116, 216, 316), which dip tube (16) has afirst end terminating adjacent the bottom of the first compartment (4,104, 204, 304), and via its second, opposite end can be brought intofluid communication with dispensing means (7; 107, 307; 234, 235) forthe fluid to be dispensed.
 10. An assembly of a second compartment, adip tube and dispensing means for use in a device according to claim 9.11. A method for keeping fluid under pressure and dispensing said fluid,wherein the fluid is included in a container (2, 102, 202, 302), whereina propellant is stored under relatively high pressure in a compartment(16, 116, 216, 316), wherein the compartment (16, 116, 216, 316) isbrought into communication with the container (2, 102, 202, 302), suchthat with the aid of the propellant the fluid is pressurized and somaintained and can be dispensed via dispensing means (7; 107, 307; 234,235), wherein prior to the introduction of the propellant into thecompartment a filler (20) is introduced into the compartment whichfiller (20) can absorb and/or adsorb at least part of the propellant,such that an amount of propellant is introduced into the compartment(16, 116, 216, 316) at a pressure which is considerably lower than thepressure that would arise in the same compartment with the same amountof propellant and under the same external conditions if the filler (20)had not been included therein, characterized in that the propellant isintroduced into the compartment (16, 116, 216, 316) under a pressure ofbetween 4 and 14 bar, more particularly between 5 and 12 bar, andpreferably about 10 bar, measured at application temperature, whileusing pressure control means (8; 17, 117, 217, 317) the propellant, asthe fluid is dispensed via the dispensing means, is dispensed at apressure such that in the container (2, 102, 202, 302) an excesspressure is maintained between 0.1 and 1.5 bar, more particularly 0.2and 1 bar, and preferably about 0.7 bar relative to the surroundings.12. A pressure cartridge for use in a device according to any one ofclaims 1-8 or a method according to claim 11, comprising a filler (20),in particular activated carbon fibers, capable of adsorbing and/orabsorbing a propellant, in particular pure carbon dioxide, andcomprising connecting means for bringing the pressure cartridge intofluid communication with a compartment in a container, for passing atleast a part of the propellant into a fluid present in the container,characterized in that pressure control means are provided formaintaining, during use, a relatively constant excess pressure in acontainer connected to the pressure cartridge of between 0.65 and 1 bar.13. Use of a pressure cartridge according to claim 12 in dispensing acarbonated beverage, in particular beer.
 14. A pressure cartridgeaccording to claim 12, comprising pressure control means formaintaining, during use, a relatively constant excess pressure in acontainer connected to the pressure cartridge of between 1.65 and 2bars.
 15. A pressure cartridge according to claim 12, wherein saidfiller is activated carbon and said propellant is carbon dioxide.
 16. Anassembly according to claim 10, wherein said dip tube is secured to thesecond compartment, which dip tube has a first end terminating adjacentthe bottom of the first compartment, and via its second, opposite endcan be brought into fluid communication with dispensing means for thefluid to be dispensed.
 17. A pressure cartridge according to claim 13,wherein said carbonated beverage is beer.
 18. A device according toclaim 1, wherein said carbonated beverage is beer.
 19. A deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein said pressure control means are set forproviding and maintaining in the first compartment an excess pressurebetween 0.1 and 2 bar.
 20. A device according to claim 19, wherein saidexcess pressure is between 0.2 and 1 bar.
 21. A device according toclaim 1, wherein said pressure control means is adapted to maintain saidrelatively pure CO₂ in the headspace of said first compartment indynamic equilibrium with a quantity of CO₂ dissolved in said carbonatedbeverage, which dissolved CO₂ provides the carbonation to saidcarbonated beverage, wherein said pressure control means deliver asufficient quantity of relatively pure CO₂ from said second compartmentinto the headspace of said first compartment following dispensation of aquantity of said beverage to return the pressure in the headspace ofsaid first compartment to a desired equilibrium excess pressure.
 22. Adevice according to claim 21, wherein said desired equilibrium excesspressure is between 0.2-1 bar.
 23. A device according to claim 22,wherein said carbonated beverage is beer and said desired equilibriumexcess pressure is about 0.7 bar.
 24. A method according to claim 11,wherein said propellant is introduced into said compartment at apressure of between 5 and 12 bar.
 25. A method according to claim 11,wherein said excess pressure in said container is maintained between 0.2and 1 bar.
 26. A method according to claim 25, wherein said excesspressure is maintained at about 0.7 bar.